It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Willi on April 11, 2025, in her 90th year in Vancouver, BC.
She is remembered by her sons Michael (Lori), Jan, and Ric; her grandsons Graham (Maegan), Peter (Sandy), Ben (Mariel), Noah (Olesia), and Aidan; and her great-grandchildren Alice, Thomas, Margot, and Eric.
Willi was born July 4, 1935, in Utrecht, Netherlands, and immigrated to Canada in 1957 with her husband, Jac.
She studied design at Sheridan College and went on to pursue artistic endeavours in fibre, clay, and metal. Willi continued her nurse’s training — begun in the Netherlands — at Seneca College, and worked as a nurse in Toronto and Vancouver.
Willi lived a life filled with curiosity, purpose, and caring. Her selection of books showed a broad appreciation and inquisitive mind, and included philosophy and mysticism. She took great solace in poetry up until her final days.
Thank you to the staff at St John Hospice for the wonderful care provided to our Mother/Nanna
